First coat flatten, second coat flatten, it'll sit for quite a while while you repeat the process by throwing a load more on.
Then straight round for another flatten if it looks like its dragging a bit don't panic just run over it a couple of times alternating direction and it'll be fine.
3 good passes like that and you'll have very little left to do with your trowel.
I have put some monster hits on on my own without any problems using the above technique.
Its like Any other aspect of the job, organisation and timing is the key once those are used mate its happy days.